Page 34 - Occupational Health & Safety, September 2018

WINTER HAZARDS
Winterizing Employees Who Work Outdoors
Introducing cold weather work tips and other outdoor cold weather safety con- cepts in trainings during the early fall can help workers get into the mindset. BY KAREN D. HAMEL
Preparing employees to work in harsh winter weather conditions takes more than a re- minder on the bulletin board to wear their hats and gloves. Acclimating workers to
cold climates needs to begin before the temperature drops, and it requires more than just adding addi- tional clothing.
In addition to adding layers of clothing, staying warm during outdoor work also involves having the proper mindset, nutrition, and stamina to prevent hy- pothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries. Preparing mentally as well as physically helps employ- ees to recognize the warning signs and effects of cold stress and their limitations.
Psychological and Behavioral Needs
Every person perceives and tolerates temperature dif- ferently. Although two people may have the same core temperatures, one may say that he feels cold while the other may say that she is comfortable.
Because of individual differences in the way that people approach working in cold environments, ac- climation will occur at different paces. This is because each person needs to adjust to their environmental stimuli and process it in their own time and in their own way.
Differences also may be regional. An employee
who has lived in cold weather climates for several years is likely to acclimate faster than one who has never experienced extreme cold.
Introducing cold weather work tips and other out- door cold weather safety concepts in trainings during the early fall can help workers get into the mindset. It can also be helpful to review work practices, such as the use of the buddy system.
Using the buddy system when working in cold conditions is essential because hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold related injuries affect people different- ly. Teaching everyone to recognize signs of confusion, slurred speech, and shivering in themselves and oth- ers can help prevent injuries.
Physiological Limitations
Age, body type, and health issues also influence a person’s susceptibility to cold. As people age, they are sometimes less likely to notice when they are becom- ing cold. Their reactions may be slower or they may even begin to shiver without fully realizing the need to stop work and warm themselves.
A person who is tall, thin, and has long limbs will cool more quickly than someone who is shorter and stouter. This is especially true in windy conditions.
Health conditions such as anemia, hypothyroid- ism, and some forms of cancer can influence a per- son’s tolerance for cold weather. These conditions may even prevent them from staying outdoors for short amounts of time.
Recognizing individual differences and abilities is important because not everyone will be able to tolerate cold working conditions the same way. This may mean that some people also may not be able to work as long as others do in cold weather, while others may be able to work longer without adversely affecting them.
Nutrition
When a person feels cold, one of the ways the body responds is by making them feel hungry, because food provides fuel. Staying properly fed and hydrated can help workers better withstand cold working condi- tions and fatigue.
What to eat and when to eat it are important con- siderations. Diets that are high in protein combined with fats and carbohydrates will help to balance nutri- tional needs with the demands of working outdoors in the cold. Eating six to eight small snacks throughout the day helps the body to convert food calories to heat
30 Occupational Health & Safety | SEPTEMBER 2018
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